The Home Front

Today, Reed Galen and David Troy discuss the current state of democracy in America and globally, emphasizing the need for a broader definition of democracy beyond just elections. They explore the challenges posed by capitalism, the importance of regulatory guardrails, and the impact of monopolies and network effects in the tech industry. The discussion also highlights the cultural differences in r...

Summary Today, host Reed Galen speaks with misinformation expert Nina Jankowicz about the current political landscape in the U.S., focusing on the rise of managed autocracy, the role of controlled opposition, and the challenges facing democracy. They explore the impact of online harassment, particularly on women, and draw parallels with global autocracies. Nina emphasizes the importance of active...

Today, host Reed Galen speaks with Clara Mattei, a professor of economics at the University of Tulsa and President of The Forum for Real Economic Emancipation, about her work on economic emancipation and the historical context of capitalism and fascism. They discuss the unique economic landscape of Tulsa, the interconnection between economic and political emancipation, and the need for a new under...

Summary Today, Reed and Grace Blakely discuss the current state of the U.S. economy, highlighting the unsustainable concentration of wealth and consumer spending among the top income earners. They explore the implications of the AI bubble, the stagnation of wages despite rising productivity, and the role of the dollar in global economics. The discussion also touches on the impact of technology on...

Today, Reed and Katie Phang discuss various political themes, including the grotesque nature of recent memorials, the case of Tom Homan and the implications of Project 2025. They explore the hesitations of the Biden administration's Justice Department, the apathy surrounding democracy, and the need for determination in the face of despair. The discussion also touches on shifts in political sentime...

Today, Reed and Denver Riggleman discuss the current political landscape in America, focusing on the influence of the Trump administration, media manipulation, and the rise of authoritarianism. They explore how money plays a crucial role in politics, the impact of disinformation, and the challenges of navigating political apathy. The discussion also touches on the consequences of political violenc...

Today, I take a few minutes to pay tribute to Robert Redford, explain why Congress hasn't passed an on-time budget in 30 years why incompetence is key to surviving inside Trumplandia. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Reed Galen and activist Corbin Trent as they discuss why the current political system is broken, why too much money chases too few results, and why the political parties and players we have now aren't going to lead us out of the darkness. Recorded previously on Substack Live! Subscribe to my substack HERE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, host Reed Galen and Presidential Historian Alexis Coe delve into the unsettling rise of political violence in America, tracing its roots from historical events to contemporary incidents. They explore the societal factors contributing to this trend, including the isolation of young men and the role of media figures like Charlie Kirk. Through a historical lens, they discuss the implications o...

Today, Reed Galen reflects on the recent surge of political violence in America, particularly in light of the tragic shooting of Charlie Kirk. He discusses the implications of such violence on society, especially concerning the safety of children and the normalization of political assassinations. Galen emphasizes the need for grace, patience, and resilience in facing these challenges, urging liste...

Host Reed Galen is joined by ⁠David Jolly⁠ (Former Republican Congressman and 2026 Democratic Candidate for Governor of Florida) for a conversation about his political evolution and what it means for the future of the Sunshine State. They discuss Jolly’s journey from Republican to Independent to Democrat, why he believes Florida is at an inflection point, and how affordability, insurance, educatio...

Enjoy this bonus episode of The Home Front featuring Katie Phang. Originally recorded on Substack Live. Follow Katie on Substack! Follow Reed on Substack! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Reed Galen is joined by Gary Gerstle, renowned historian, author, and Paul Mellon Professor of American History Emeritus at the University of Cambridge, for the second half of their conversation to explore the deeper cultural, psychological, and institutional forces shaping America’s political transformation. They discuss why both the right and left seem increasingly disillusioned with democr...

Host Reed Galen is joined by Gary Gerstle, renowned historian, author, and Paul Mellon Professor of American History Emeritus at the University of Cambridge, for a sweeping conversation about the past, present, and future of American politics. They explore how the old political orders…from FDR’s New Deal to Reagan’s neoliberal revolution…shaped the last century, and whether Donald Trump is on the...

In this conversation, host Reed Galen and former tech-executive Mike Brock discusses the concept of revanchism in liberalism, emphasizing the need to reclaim lost values in the face of rising neo-fascism. He reflects on historical lessons, the importance of understanding power dynamics, and the challenges posed by the attention economy. The discussion highlights the necessity for personal integrit...

Recorded from Substack Live. I'm joined by News Not Noise founder Jessica Yellin as I turn the tables and ask her questions about the issues of the day. We talk troops in Washington, Hollywood's silence, and how the redistricting wars play out. Find out more about News Not Noise. Subscribe to me on Substack! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host  ⁠Reed Galen⁠⁠ is joined by Tom Nichols (Author and Staff Writer at The Atlantic) for a conversation about what happens to expertise in an age of misinformation, mistrust, and political division. They discuss how experts lost credibility, why institutions failed to defend truth, and what it means when knowledge no longer commands respect in public life. Plus, the cost of treating opinions as...

Recorded on Substack Live. Reed Galen and former national security official Miles Taylor discuss Donald Trump's deployment of federal troops on the streets of Washington, DC. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, host Reed Galen and Axios Finance Reporter Madison Mills discuss the current state of financial news, inflation, and the impact of tariffs on consumers. They explore the role of the bond market in maintaining economic stability and the implications of a K-shaped recovery on different socioeconomic groups. Madison shares her approach to making financial news accessible to younger generations...

Today, host Reed Galen and Tina Nguyen of The Verge discuss the evolution of the MAGA movement, its intersection with technology, and the role of crypto in politics. They explore the changing dynamics between big tech and the Republican party, the implications of populism, and the future of the MAGA movement in a post-Trump world. Tina also introduces her new newsletter, 'Regulator,' which focuses...

Today, host Reed Galen and Utah-based political reporter Bryan Schott delve into the intricacies of Utah politics, focusing on the control of information within the legislature, the influence of developers, and the implications of recent scandals involving key political figures like Stuart Adams. They discuss the challenges faced by journalists in accessing information, the impact of gerrymanderin...

Recorded on Substack live, host Reed Galen is joined by write Evelyn Quartz. They discuss the current gerrymandering fight and whether or not it's really about 'democracy.' They also discuss economic populism, Democrats needing to answer hard questions, and how the Millenial generation is being left behind. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this bonus episode, host Reed Galen interviews Mondale Robinson, mayor of Enfield, North Carolina, and founder of the Black Male Voter Project. They discuss why political parties only target 'high propensity' voters, what the people need to do to make their voices heard, and why the elites are often happy to ignore the wishes of those they claim to represent. Recorded from Substack Live. Learn...

Host ⁠Reed Galen⁠⁠ is joined by Alexander Theodoridis, Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and Co-Director of the UMass Poll, for an honest look at why trust in American politics and institutions is at an all-time low. They talk about what’s really driving voter dissatisfaction, the roots of polarization, and why approval ratings and party loyalty do...

Host ⁠Reed Galen⁠⁠ is joined by Sarah Stein Lubrano - writer, researcher, and author of Don’t Talk About Politics: How to Change 21st Century Minds for the second half of their conversation about why building real community is so challenging in the modern world. They discuss the rise of loneliness, the difference between weak ties and true friendships, and how social media has changed the way we c...